What appearance does Geographic Atrophy (GA) have on Fundus Autofluorescence (FA)?

Geographic Atrophy (GA) exhibits a characteristic appearance on Fundus Autofluorescence (FA) imaging that is defined by well-circumscribed, round to oval areas of hyperfluorescence. This appearance corresponds to areas where photoreceptors have been lost and retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) atrophy has occurred. The intact RPE surrounding these atrophic zones retains its autofluorescent properties, creating a stark contrast against the areas of GA that no longer fluoresce.

The well-defined borders are a key feature, as they help clinicians identify the extent of GA and plan appropriate management. This prominent delineation differentiates it from other retinal conditions which may present with more irregular or scattered patterns. Recognizing this unique FA appearance of GA is critical for accurate diagnosis and treatment decisions in patients with age-related macular degeneration and other neovascular conditions.